How to Use Legato Bowing Technique for Cello

Legato is a musical term referring to musical notes that are played very smoothly. Legato can be used while transitioning between notes, or holding one note for a very long time. It is usually played quietly, at slower parts of a music piece. It may or may not be emphasized with the vibrato technique. Follow these steps to use the legato technique for cello.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Begin by holding the bow above the strings on the front of the cello all the way to the left side of the string being played.

2. Play the note by pulling the bow very slowly and steadily across the string in one fluid motion. Keep the motion firm, but pull the bow gently to create a quiet and subdued sound which is often found at slow or down times in musical pieces.

3. Continue by pushing the bow back across the strings once the bow has been pulled all the way across. This should make a slow, long and connected sound. Transition from pulling the bow to pushing it with a quick flick of the wrist. There should be no pause or silence between the motions.

4. Move onto another note with the transition from pulling to pushing by doing different fingerings on the strings, or continue the long note by keeping the same fingerings.

5. Add richness to the note by adding the vibrato technique to the note. This is done by moving the hand up and down to flatten and sharpen the note as it is played. The finger is kept in place, and the hand is moved through motion in the upper arm.